Automatic liquid proportioner

ABSTRACT

An automatic liquid proportioner device for simultaneously feeding a predetermined amount of one liquid and a predetermined amount of another liquid into a beverage dispenser machine to provide a beverage comprising a mixture of said liquids.

United States Patent Popinski 5] Feb. 22, 1972 [54] AUTOMATIC LIQUIDPROPORTIONER 1,836,893 12/1931 Austin ..222/66 X 3,408,092 l0/l968Appleton ..285/158 X [72] Invent Lem! Chwag 2,768,844 /1956 Shadeberg.1285/177 73 Assignee; The Nedlog Company, Chicago [IL 2,675,757 4/1954Moore ..222/67 X [22] Filed: Feb. 13, 1970 [21] APP! NOJ 11,132 PrimaryExaminer-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-Thomas E. Kocovsky R hn d US A li i D t Attorney-Robert L. Slater, Jr. and Jerome Goldberg [63]Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 739,806, June 25, 1968, Pat. N0. 52u.s.c| ..222/56, 222/68 An automatic liquid Proportioner device forSimultaneously 511 int. Cl ..B67d 5/08 feeding a predetermined 81mm ofliquid and a [58] Field of Search 222/56 63 66 67 68 129 l mined amountof another liquid into a beverage dispenser machine to provide abeverage comprising a mixture of said 222/133, 146 C, 285/177, 239, 397,158, 137/399 liquids.

[56] References Cited 13 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures UNITED STATESPATENTS Holstein ..222/67 X 35 g F j, 3a 3, as

I ll 26 I I i 22 20 l f I 33 32a 224 64 I 32 303 I I 24a H; 275 2765|w3s -24 26a-- I l, I 29 29a I 2e- PAIENTED FEB 2 2 I972 SHEET 1 UF 3v INVENTOR LEONARD e. POPINSKI ATTORNEY PAIENTEOFEB22 1912 3.643 .835

sum 2 [1F 3 '/I I 1 I [/1 H5VAC .-INVENTOR LEONARD G- POPINSKIPAIENIEilmze I972 3.643.835

sum 3 ar a ll/ll/I I/II/IIIIIIIIL ATTORNEY AUTOMATIC LIQUID PROPORTIONERBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application is a continuation-in-partof the patent application entitled Automatic Liquid Feed Device, filedJune 25, I968, Ser. No. 739,806 and maturing into U.S. Pat. No.3,528,587.

This invention relates generally to a device for feeding a liquid into acontainer, and more particularly relates to an automatic device forsimultaneously feeding predetermined quantities of at least two liquidsinto a container to provide a beverage comprising said liquids.

The subject invention is particularly suitable for use withnoncarbonated beverage dispenser machines of the kind that continuallycirculate the beverage contained therein around a cooling surface. Thesedispensers are extensively used in soda fountains, lunchrooms,snackshops, and refreshment stands.

In the past, the beverages contained in these dispensers were preparedby manually pouring a predetermined quantity of a base or concentrate ofa sweet flavored liquid and a predetermined quantity of water into thereceptacle section of the dispenser. Although this was not a complicatedtask, substantial time and effort were nevertheless required. Quiteoften, the manual pouring of the liquids resulted in mixtures that wereeither too sweet or not sweet enough. Also, frequently in the summermonths, the beverage dispensers would be empty for long periods untilsomeone was available to fill the machine. Even after the dispenser wasfilled, it could not be used until the beverage had sufficient time toproperly cool. Thus, the inefficiencies in the manual preparation of thebeverage resulted in substantial losses in revenue.

Recently, automatic liquid feed devices were used to feed water andsyrup or base liquid into beverage dispenser machines. A typical priorautomatic liquid feed device comprised a chamber having a watercompartment and a syrup or liquid base compartment. A pumping meanspumped both the water and base from the chamber into the dispenser. Atimer mechanism triggered on when the water level in the chamber waslow, permitted water flow into the chamber for a preset interval oftime. A red light indicated when the base liquid supply was empty. Theliquid drive systems of these prior automatic devices were extremelycomplicated and susceptible to malfunction. Moreover, these devicesrequired a substantial water pressure to operate. Consequently, theywere generally not usable at high levels with respect to ground, wherethe water pressure would vary or was normally low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The automatic liquid proportioner device ofthis invention is adaptable for use with beverage dispenser machines.The device automatically feeds a predetermined amount of watersimultaneously with a predetermined amount of a concentrate or base of asweet-flavored liquid into a bowl of the beverage dispenser to provide aliquid mixture comprising the water and the base. Means are provided toautomatically cause the water and base liquid to flow into the bowl whenthe liquid in the bowl of the beverage dispenser falls below apredetermined level and to stop the flow of water and base liquid whenthe liquid level in the bowl reaches a predetermined level.

Means are also provided to turn off the flow of base liquid and waterinto the bowl, when the container of base liquid is substantially empty.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide anautomatic device for simultaneously feeding a predetermined amount of aliquid concentrate into a beverage dispenser.

Another object is to provide a device for automatically andsimultaneously feeding the proper amount of water and a liquidconcentrate into a bowl of a beverage dispenser device when the beveragein the bowl falls below a predetermined level and to stop the flow ofwater and concentrate when the beverage reaches the level.

Another object is to provide a reliable and simplified device forfeeding a proportionate amount of two liquids, which is easily adaptedfor use with conventional beverage dispensers.

Still another object is to provide an automatic feed device which feedswater and a concentrate of a sweet flavored liquid to provide arefreshing beverage comprising a mixture of the water and concentrate.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the illustrations in the accompanying drawings and thefollowing specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings in which thesame characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding orsimilar parts throughout the several figures of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective enlarged view of a liquid proportioner deviceconnected to a beverage dispenser machine embodying the principles ofthe invention, for feeding liquids into the beverage dispenser machine;

FIG. 2 is sectional view with portions cut away, taken on the line 22 inFIG. I, viewed in the direction indicated, and showing the elongated rodof the main float means resting on a support member;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the concentrate liquid feed section andthe water feed section of the proportioner device;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective viewof the water feed section of theproportioner device;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rod portions of the main float meansand the support member;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view with portions cutaway, illustrating theconcentrate level control means;

FIG. 7 illustrates the electrical schematic for the proportioner device;

FIG. 8 illustrates alternate electrical circuitry for driving andcontrolling the proportioner device;

FIG. 9 illustrates a connector for connecting together two pieces oftubing having different internal diameters;

FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the partof the float means including the connector of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the beverage float means positioned inthe bowl (shown fragmented) and supported by the support member; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the concentrate float means and showingthe concentrate tank fragmented and sectioned.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 of thedrawings, the reference numeral 10 indicates generally a machine fordispensing beverages particularly cold noncarbonated soft drinks. Themachine 10 includes a lower section 12 containing a cooling mechanismand an upper bowl 14 comprising a transparent outer wall 15. A partitionwall 16 divides the bowl'into two compartments 17, 17 of substantiallyidentical size. Compartment 17 contains a beverage 18, and compartment17' contains a different flavored beverage 18'. A liquidproportionerdevice, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20 feeds theliquids comprising beverage 18 into compartment 17 and a similarproportioner 20' feeds the liquids comprising beverage 18' intocompartment 17'. Since the proportioners 20, 20' are similar, the detaildescription will refer to the proportioner 20. Similar parts of theproportioner 20 with respect to the parts of proportioner 20 will beidentified in the drawings with the same numeral and a prime (0) suffix.

The beverage 18 is a mixture of a predetermined amount of water mixedwith a predetermined amount of concentrate or base flavored liquid 22 toprovide a cool and refreshing flavored drink. Generally, for each unitvolume of base liquid 22, a substantially greater volume of water isrequired to be added to provide the proper flavor for beverage 18. Anagitator means indicated generally bynumeral 23 (FIG. 1) circulates thebeverage around a refrigerated surface of a cold body or plate 23',thereby continually cooling and mixing the beverage 12. The agitatormeans 23 includes a sprayer means (not shown) which takes the coolbeverage at the bottom of the bowl section and sprays it in an upwarddirection.

The proportioner device 20 comprises a concentrate liquid feed section24 (FIGS. 1 and 3) and a water feed section 26 (FIG. 4) mounted in ahousing 27 attached to a tank 28 (FIGS. 1 and 3). Tank 28 contains theconcentrate liquid 22. The lower end 29 of the tank includes an outletspigot 30. One end of a conduit 32 is connected to the spigot 30 and theopposite end thereof is attached to an input 33 of a pump means 34 (FIG.3). The concentrate flows from the spigot to the pump means. When thetank 28 is empty, additional concentrate liquid should be poured in fromthe top end 35.

A flexible pipe 36 is connected to the output end 38 (FIGS. 1 and 3) ofthe pump means 34 and press fitted on the outer end of a liquidconcentrate input terminal 39 which also extends inward from outer wall18 into the beverage compartment 17.

The water feed section 26 includes a water regulator 40 and an electricwater valve 42 also mounted inside housing 27 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

An input port 50 of the water regulator 40 is connected to an outletconduit 54 from a water source (not shown), the inner end portion 55 ofconduit 54 being shown cutaway (FIGS. 1. 3 and 4). A coupler 56 (FIGS. 3and 4) connects the output port 57 of the water regulator 40 to an input58 of the electric water valve 42. The valve 42 has an open position andclosed position, for controlling respectively nonflow and flow of waterinto the machine 10. The opening and closing of the valve 42 iselectrically controlled, as will be more fully described below.

The water regulator 40 includes a water pressure adjustment means 60.The inward and outward movement of the adjustment means 60 caused by arotational force manually applied at the outer end 62 thereof, providescontrol of the water pressure appearing at the output port 57.

A conduit 64 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) which may be flexible is connected froman output 65 of the valve 42 and press fitted onto a water inputterminal 66 extending outward from the outer wall and also inwardtherefrom into compartment 17.

A main float means indicated generally by reference numeral 68 (FIGS. 1,2 and 5) controls the flow of water and concentrate into the beveragedispenser machine 10. The float means 68 comprises an elongated flexiblerod portion 70 containing a level control switch 72 which may be aconventional mercury switch. Switch 72 has an on-position andoff-position (shown in FIG. 7 in the off-position).

The rod portion 70 extends into compartment 17 through an opening 74formed in the wall 15. The rod portion 70 is secured to the definingedge of opening 74 in a press-fit connection at its inner end 75.

Rod portion 70 is supported between the outer end 76 and the inner end75 on a support member 77. The support member 77 is a single bendablemetal piece formed into a shape of two opposed L-portions 78, 78'connected together by an intermediate portion 79 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5).Intermediate portion 79 operatively rests on the upper .edge of thepartition wall 16 and L-portion 78 extends downward into compartment 17and L-portion 78' extends downward into compartment 17'.

The level control switch 72 is press-fitted inside rod portion 70,inward and adjacent from the inner end 75. When the beverage 18 insidecompartment 17 of bowl 14 drops below a predetermined level, rod portion70 inclines downward (FIG. 5) and switch 72 moves to its on-position.The proportioner device is thereby automatically turned on" and thewater and concentrate simultaneously flow into compartment 17. When thebeverage in compartment 17 is being replenished so that the beveragelevel rises toward the aforesaid predetermined level, rod portion 70 isbuoyed upward from its previous inclined position causing switch 72 toswitch to its offposition, which automatically turns of the proportionerdevice 20.

A concentrate float means indicated generally by reference numeral 80(FIG. 6) prevents the proportioner device 20 from operating when theconcentrate is substantially empty inside tank 28. The concentrate floatmeans 80, similarly constructed as the main float means 68, comprises anelongated flexible rod portion 82 tightly enclosing a concentrate levelcontrol switch 84, inward and adjacent the inner end 85 of the rodportion 82. The control switch 84 which may also be a conventionalmercury switch, has an on-position and an offposition. When sufficientconcentrate is in tank 28. the rod portion 82 is buoyed in an upwardposition and control switch 84 is in its on-position; and when tank 28is substantially empty, rod portion 82 inclines in a downward direction(FIG. 6) and switch 84 moves to the off-position, which prevents anyfurther operation of the proportioner device 20 until the concentratesupply is replenished.

Turning now specifically to FIG. 7, it will be seen that a transformermeans 86 takes the 1 15 v., AC line voltage at the primary 87 and dropsit to 12 v., AC at the secondary 88. Thus, the main level switch 72 andthe concentrate control switch 84 receive a maximum of 12 v., AC acrosstheir switch contact terminals. An on-off power switch 89 connects line1-ll5 v., AC line voltage to the transformer primary 87.

A relay means 90 including relay switch 91 and coil 92 control theconnection of the l 15 v., AC line voltage to the pump means 34, and thewater valve 42. As shown in FIG. 7, when the main level switch 72 movesto its on-position, 12 v. AC is impressed across coil 92 energizingrelay means 90 and thereby causing relay switch 91 to close and connectline 1 of the 1 l5 v. AC to pump means 34 and water valve 42.

Therefore, when the rod portion 70 of the main float means 68 fallsbelow a predetermined level, the main level switch 72 closes to itson-position and impresses 12 v., AC across the relay coil 92 causing therelay switch 91 to close; thereby con necting line 1 of the 115 v. AC tothe pump means 34 and the electric water valve 42. With the powercircuit closed, the pump means 34 operates and the water valve 42 opens.The pump means pumps the concentrate from tank 28 into the bowl l4 andthe water simultaneously flows through valve 42 into the bowl 14 underthe water pressure at output 57 originally set by the water pressureadjustment means 60 of the regulator 40. When the main float means 68 isbuoyed upward with the addition of the concentrate and water and returnsto the predetermined level, control switch 72 switches to itsoff-position, relay means 90 deenergizes, and relay switch 91 moves toits open-position and thereby disconnects the 1 l5 v., AC from the pumpmeans 34 and water valve 42 causing the proportioner device 20 to stopoperating. If the concentrate is substantially empty in tank 28, levelcontrol switch 84 moves to the off-position and the proportioner devicewill no longer operate until more concentrate buoys the concentratefloat means upward, causing switch 84 to return to its on-position.

Turning now to FIGS. 9, l0 and 11, a connector 95 may be used to connectthe various segments of the float means 68. Connector 95 comprises asmall diameter section 96 for securing thereon a small diameter flexiblesleeve 97, and a larger diameter section 98 for securing thereon alarger diameter flexible sleeve 99 (FIG. 10). Sleeve 97 provides theprotective covering for the 12 v., AC electrical leads 100, 101, and thelarger sleeve 99 defines the outer covering of the rod member 70 whichhouses relay 72. Small section 96 of connector 95 comprises a pluralityof annular tapered grippers 102. Each gripper 102 varies in diameter andcross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis. As shown, theminimum diameter and nonsectional area of each gripper 102 is on theside closest the outer end 104 of section 96. Larger sectiori 98 alsocomprises a plurality of tapered grippers 106, and each similarlyincreases in diameter and cross-sectional area from a minimum on theside closest the outer end 108 of section 98. The grippers 102 aresubstantially smaller than grippers 106. As shown, sleeves 97 and 99press fit over the respective sections 96 and 98 to provide a secure andpositive connection of the sleeves.

Connector 95 includes an elongated hollow opening 110 extendingtherethrough from outer end 104 to outer end 108. The leads 100, 101 asshown in FIG. pass through opening 1 10.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 12, a connector indicated generallyby reference numeral 112 extends through the wall of the concentratecontainer 28. Connector 112 is preferably a metal material, soldered,welded or otherwise secured to container 28. The connector 112 comprisesan inner portion 114 and an outer portion 116. A sleeve 97 pressfltsover inner portion 114. A similar sleeve (not shown) to sleeve 97pressfits over outer portion 1167 Still referring to FIG. 12, aconnector 95' similar to connector 95 may be used to connect smalldiameter sleeve 97 with larger diameter sleeve 99 of the concentratefloat means 80. Sleeve 97 provides the protective covering for theelectrical leads 118, 120 connected to relay 84, and the larger sleeve99 defines the outer covering of the rod member 82 which houses relay84. Sleeves 97',99 pressfit respectively over sections 96 and 98' of theconnector 95. Leads 118, 120 extend from relay 84 and pass throughconnectors 95 and 112.

H6. 8 illustrates in an electrical schematic form an alternateembodiment in which similar parts to those of other figures aredesignated with the same numerals, and also the suffix c." Thetransformer means 86c steps down the line voltage to a low voltage suchas 12 v., AC which is connected to the pump means 34c and the watervalve means 420 when the main level control switch 72c is in theon-position and also the concentrate level switch is in the on-position.In this embodiment, the pump means and water valve would be required tooperate from a 12 volt line whereas in the FIG. 6 embodiment it operatesfrom a 115 v., AC line.

Still another embodiment within the contemplation of the invention is toconnect the 115 v., AC directly through the main level switch 72 andconcentrate level switch 84 to the pump means 34 and water valve 42without dropping the voltage through a transformer.

The foregoing specification and description are intended as illustrativeof the invention, the scope of which is defined in the following claims.

1 claim:

1. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowl section to contain abeverage for dispensing, a feed means for feeding at least one liquidinto the machine, said beverage comprising at least said one liquid,said feed means comprising:

a container for said one liquid;

a pump means associated with the container and said bowl for pumpingsaid one liquid from the container into the bowl;

a switch means having an on-position for causing said pump to pump saidone liquid into the bowl and an off-position for preventing said pumpingof the first liquid;

a main float control means extending inside said bowl, said floatcontrol means comprising a rod member enclosing said switch means, saidrod member moving downward when the liquid level in the bowl falls belowa predetermined level to cause said switch means to switch to theon-position from the off-position and moving upward when the liquidlevel increases to cause said switch means to switch from theoff-position to the on-position;

tube means extending into the bowl; and

connector means for connecting said tube means to said rod member, thediameter of said rod member being substantially greater than said tubemeans, electrical cable from said switch means passing through the tubemeans to the outside ofthe bowl.

2. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowl section to contain abeverage for dispensing, a feed means for feeding at least one liquidinto the machine, said beverage comprising at least said one liquid,said feed means comprising:

a container for said one liquid;

a pump means associated with the container and said bowl for pumpingsaid one liquid from the container into the bowl when electrical poweris connected to the pump;

a first switch means having an on-position and an off-position;

a main float means extending inside said bowl and including a first rodmember encircling said first switch means;

a second switch means having an on-position and an offposition;

a second liquid float means extending inside said container andincluding a second rod member encircling said second switch means, saidfirst rod member moving downward when the liquid level in bowl decreasesbelow a predetermined high level to cause said first switch means toswitch to the on-position for connecting electrical power to said pumpmeans, said second rod member moving downward when the liquid level insaid container falls below a predetermined low level to cause saidsecond switch means to switch from the onto the offposition to preventelectrical power from being connected to the pump even when the beveragefalls below said high level; and

a support means disposed at the top of said bowl, said support meansextending underneath said rod member for providing support at a pointbetween the inner and outer ends of the rod member.

3. The feed means of claim 2 wherein a partition wall separates saidhow] into two compartments, said support means being a single strip ofbendable material comprising two opposed L-shaped portions connectedtogether by an intermediate portion, one L-portion extending into onecompartment and the other L-portion extending in the other compartment,said intermediate portion being supported by the upper edge of saidpartition wall.

4. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowl section to contain abeverage for dispensing, a feed means for feeding at least one liquidinto the machine, said beverage comprising at least said one liquid,said feed means comprising:

a container for said one liquid;

a pump means associated with the container and said bowl for pumpingsaid one liquid from the container into said bowl section whenelectrical energy is connected to the a transformer means for convertingan input primary voltage into a lower secondary voltage;

a relay means having a relay coil and a relay switch, said relay switchhaving a closed-position for connecting said primary voltage with saidpump means;

a first switch means having an on-position and an off-position;

a main liquid float means extending inside said bowl and including afirst rod member encircling said first switch means;

a second switch means having an on-position and an offposition;

a second liquid float means extending inside said container andincluding a second rod member encircling said second switch means, saidfirst rod member moving downward when the liquid level in said bowldecreases below a predetermined high level to cause said first switchmeans to switch to the on-position to connect said primary to said relaycoil for energizing the relay and closing said relay switch, said secondrod member moving downward when the liquid level in said container fallsbelow a predetermined low level to cause said second switch means toswitch from the onto the off-position to prevent said relay switch fromconnecting said primary voltage to the pump means even when the liquidin said bowl falls below said predetermined high level.

5. The feed means of claim 4 wherein the first liquid float meanscomprises:

a small diameter tube and a larger diameter tube housing said secondswitch means; and

a coupling means having a small diameter section and a larger diametersection, said small tube fitting on said small diameter section and saidlarger tube fitting over said larger diameter section, each of thesections of said coupling means including a plurality of bevelledgrippers increasing in cross-sectional area from the inner end to theouter end of the corresponding section.

6. The liquid feed device of claim 5, wherein a hollow connecting memberextends inward from the inside surface of the container, said connectingmember housing a plurality of bevelled grippers, each of said grippersincreasing in crosssectional area from the inner end to the outer freeend thereof, said small tube fitting over said connecting means,electrical leads extending through the connecting member to said firstliquid float means.

7. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowl section to contain abeverage for dispensing, a feed means for feeding at least one liquidinto the machine, said beverage comprising at least one said liquid,said feed means comprising:

a container for said one liquid;

a pump means associated with the container and said bowl for pumpingsaid one liquid from the container into the said bowl section;

a transformer means for converting an input primary voltage into a lowersecondary voltage;

a switching means;

a switch means having an on-position for connecting the secondaryvoltage to said switching means and an offposition for disconnecting thesecondary voltage from the switching means, said primary voltage beingconnected and disconnected from the pump when the secondary voltage isconnected and disconnected respectively from the switching means;

a main float control means extending inside said bowl, said floatcontrol means comprising a rod member enclosing said switch means, saidrod member moving downward when the liquid level in said bowl decreasesto cause said switch means to switch to the on-position from theoffposition and moving upward when the liquid level increases to causesaid first switch means to switch from the off-position to theon-position, said main float means further including a small diametersleeve and a larger diameter sleeve covering said first switch means;

a connector means connecting the small sleeve with the larger sleeve,said connector means comprising a small diameter section secured to alarger diameter section, said small sleeve fitting over said smalldiameter section and said large sleeve fitting over said larger diametersection;

a support means disposed at the top of said bowl, said support meanssupporting the main float means at a point between the inner and outerends of the rod member; and

a partition wall separating said bowl into two compartments, saidsupport means being a single strip of bendable material comprising twoopposed L-shaped portions connected together by an intermediate portion,one L-portion extending into one compartment and the other L- portionextending in the other compartment, said intermediate portion beingsupported by the upper edge of said partition wall.

8. The feed means of claim 1 wherein said connector means furthercomprises a plurality of small beveled grippers formed in the smalldiameter section and a plurality of larger bevelled grippers formed inthe larger diameter section, said connector means having a centralopening extending therethrough.

9. The feed means of claim 8 wherein the grippers of each section ofsaidconnector means being annular in shape and increasing in diameter fromthe inner end to the outer end of the corresponding connector section.

10. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowl section to contain abeverage for dispensing, a feed means for feeding at least one liquidinto the machine, said beverage comprising at least said one liquid,said feed means comprising:

a container for said one liquid;

a pump means associated with the container and said bowl for pumpingsaid one liquid from the container into the bowl; a switch means havingan on-position for causing said pump to pump said one liquid into thebowl and an off-position for preventing said pumping of the firstliquid;

a main float control means extending inside said bowl, said floatcontrol means comprising a rod member enclosing said switch means, saidrod member moving downward when the liquid level in the bowl falls belowa predetermined level to cause said switch means to switch to theon-position from the off-position and moving upward when the liquidlevel increases to cause said first switch means to switch from theoff-position to the on-position, said float control means furtherincluding:

a small diameter sleeve and a larger diameter sleeve housing said switchmeans; and

a connector means comprising a small diameter section secured to alarger diameter section, said small sleeve fitting over said smalldiameter section and said larger sleeve fitting over said largerdiameter section and thereby connecting said sleeves together.

11. The feed means of claim 10, wherein said connector means furthercomprises a plurality of small bevelled grippers formed in the smalldiameter section and a plurality of larger bevelled grippers formed inthe larger diameter section, said connector having a central openingtherethrough.

12. The feed means of claim 11, wherein each of the grippers of saidsections of the connector means is annular in shape and increasing incross-sectional are from the smallest cross section on the side of thegripper nearest the inner end of the corresponding section.

13. The feed means of claim 12, wherein:

a second switch means, said second switch means preventing the operationof said pump means and said valve means when said one liquid falls belowa predetermined low level;

a first liquid float means extends inside said container, and comprisinga large diameter tube enclosing said second switch means, said tubeinclining downward when said first liquid falls below said low level;and

a hollow coupling means having a small diameter section and a largerdiameter section, a smaller tube fitting over the small diameter sectionand said large tube fitting over the larger diameter section, electricalleads passing through said small tube to said second switch means, eachof said sections of the coupling means including a plurality of bevelledgrippers, each of said grippers increasing in cross-sectional area fromthe side nearest the inner end to the side nearest the outer end of thecorresponding section.

1. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowl section to contain abeverage for dispensing, a feed means for feeding at least one liquidinto the machine, said beverage comprising at least said one Liquid,said feed means comprising: a container for said one liquid; a pumpmeans associated with the container and said bowl for pumping said oneliquid from the container into the bowl; a switch means having anon-position for causing said pump to pump said one liquid into the bowland an off-position for preventing said pumping of the first liquid; amain float control means extending inside said bowl, said float controlmeans comprising a rod member enclosing said switch means, said rodmember moving downward when the liquid level in the bowl falls below apredetermined level to cause said switch means to switch to theon-position from the offposition and moving upward when the liquid levelincreases to cause said switch means to switch from the off-position tothe on-position; tube means extending into the bowl; and connector meansfor connecting said tube means to said rod member, the diameter of saidrod member being substantially greater than said tube means, electricalcable from said switch means passing through the tube means to theoutside of the bowl.
 2. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowlsection to contain a beverage for dispensing, a feed means for feedingat least one liquid into the machine, said beverage comprising at leastsaid one liquid, said feed means comprising: a container for said oneliquid; a pump means associated with the container and said bowl forpumping said one liquid from the container into the bowl when electricalpower is connected to the pump; a first switch means having anon-position and an off-position; a main float means extending insidesaid bowl and including a first rod member encircling said first switchmeans; a second switch means having an on-position and an off-position;a second liquid float means extending inside said container andincluding a second rod member encircling said second switch means, saidfirst rod member moving downward when the liquid level in bowl decreasesbelow a predetermined high level to cause said first switch means toswitch to the on-position for connecting electrical power to said pumpmeans, said second rod member moving downward when the liquid level insaid container falls below a predetermined low level to cause saidsecond switch means to switch from the on- to the off-position toprevent electrical power from being connected to the pump even when thebeverage falls below said high level; and a support means disposed atthe top of said bowl, said support means extending underneath said rodmember for providing support at a point between the inner and outer endsof the rod member.
 3. The feed means of claim 2 wherein a partition wallseparates said bowl into two compartments, said support means being asingle strip of bendable material comprising two opposed L-shapedportions connected together by an intermediate portion, one L-portionextending into one compartment and the other L-portion extending in theother compartment, said intermediate portion being supported by theupper edge of said partition wall.
 4. In a beverage dispenser machinehaving a bowl section to contain a beverage for dispensing, a feed meansfor feeding at least one liquid into the machine, said beveragecomprising at least said one liquid, said feed means comprising: acontainer for said one liquid; a pump means associated with thecontainer and said bowl for pumping said one liquid from the containerinto said bowl section when electrical energy is connected to the pump;a transformer means for converting an input primary voltage into a lowersecondary voltage; a relay means having a relay coil and a relay switch,said relay switch having a closed-position for connecting said primaryvoltage with said pump means; a first switch means having an on-positionand an off-position; a main liquid float means extending inside saidbowl and including a first rod member encircling said first switchmeans; A second switch means having an on-position and an off-position;a second liquid float means extending inside said container andincluding a second rod member encircling said second switch means, saidfirst rod member moving downward when the liquid level in said bowldecreases below a predetermined high level to cause said first switchmeans to switch to the on-position to connect said primary to said relaycoil for energizing the relay and closing said relay switch, said secondrod member moving downward when the liquid level in said container fallsbelow a predetermined low level to cause said second switch means toswitch from the on- to the off-position to prevent said relay switchfrom connecting said primary voltage to the pump means even when theliquid in said bowl falls below said predetermined high level.
 5. Thefeed means of claim 4 wherein the first liquid float means comprises: asmall diameter tube and a larger diameter tube housing said secondswitch means; and a coupling means having a small diameter section and alarger diameter section, said small tube fitting on said small diametersection and said larger tube fitting over said larger diameter section,each of the sections of said coupling means including a plurality ofbevelled grippers increasing in cross-sectional area from the inner endto the outer end of the corresponding section.
 6. The liquid feed deviceof claim 5, wherein a hollow connecting member extends inward from theinside surface of the container, said connecting member housing aplurality of bevelled grippers, each of said grippers increasing incross-sectional area from the inner end to the outer free end thereof,said small tube fitting over said connecting means, electrical leadsextending through the connecting member to said first liquid floatmeans.
 7. In a beverage dispenser machine having a bowl section tocontain a beverage for dispensing, a feed means for feeding at least oneliquid into the machine, said beverage comprising at least one saidliquid, said feed means comprising: a container for said one liquid; apump means associated with the container and said bowl for pumping saidone liquid from the container into the said bowl section; a transformermeans for converting an input primary voltage into a lower secondaryvoltage; a switching means; a switch means having an on-position forconnecting the secondary voltage to said switching means and anoff-position for disconnecting the secondary voltage from the switchingmeans, said primary voltage being connected and disconnected from thepump when the secondary voltage is connected and disconnectedrespectively from the switching means; a main float control meansextending inside said bowl, said float control means comprising a rodmember enclosing said switch means, said rod member moving downward whenthe liquid level in said bowl decreases to cause said switch means toswitch to the on-position from the off-position and moving upward whenthe liquid level increases to cause said first switch means to switchfrom the off-position to the on-position, said main float means furtherincluding a small diameter sleeve and a larger diameter sleeve coveringsaid first switch means; a connector means connecting the small sleevewith the larger sleeve, said connector means comprising a small diametersection secured to a larger diameter section, said small sleeve fittingover said small diameter section and said large sleeve fitting over saidlarger diameter section; a support means disposed at the top of saidbowl, said support means supporting the main float means at a pointbetween the inner and outer ends of the rod member; and a partition wallseparating said bowl into two compartments, said support means being asingle strip of bendable material comprising two opposed L-shapedportions connected together by an intermediate portion, one L-portionextending into one compartment and the other L-portIon extending in theother compartment, said intermediate portion being supported by theupper edge of said partition wall.
 8. The feed means of claim 1 whereinsaid connector means further comprises a plurality of small beveledgrippers formed in the small diameter section and a plurality of largerbevelled grippers formed in the larger diameter section, said connectormeans having a central opening extending therethrough.
 9. The feed meansof claim 8 wherein the grippers of each section of said connector meansbeing annular in shape and increasing in diameter from the inner end tothe outer end of the corresponding connector section.
 10. In a beveragedispenser machine having a bowl section to contain a beverage fordispensing, a feed means for feeding at least one liquid into themachine, said beverage comprising at least said one liquid, said feedmeans comprising: a container for said one liquid; a pump meansassociated with the container and said bowl for pumping said one liquidfrom the container into the bowl; a switch means having an on-positionfor causing said pump to pump said one liquid into the bowl and anoff-position for preventing said pumping of the first liquid; a mainfloat control means extending inside said bowl, said float control meanscomprising a rod member enclosing said switch means, said rod membermoving downward when the liquid level in the bowl falls below apredetermined level to cause said switch means to switch to theon-position from the off-position and moving upward when the liquidlevel increases to cause said first switch means to switch from theoff-position to the on-position, said float control means furtherincluding: a small diameter sleeve and a larger diameter sleeve housingsaid switch means; and a connector means comprising a small diametersection secured to a larger diameter section, said small sleeve fittingover said small diameter section and said larger sleeve fitting oversaid larger diameter section and thereby connecting said sleevestogether.
 11. The feed means of claim 10, wherein said connector meansfurther comprises a plurality of small bevelled grippers formed in thesmall diameter section and a plurality of larger bevelled grippersformed in the larger diameter section, said connector having a centralopening therethrough.
 12. The feed means of claim 11, wherein each ofthe grippers of said sections of the connector means is annular in shapeand increasing in cross-sectional are from the smallest cross section onthe side of the gripper nearest the inner end of the correspondingsection.
 13. The feed means of claim 12, wherein: a second switch means,said second switch means preventing the operation of said pump means andsaid valve means when said one liquid falls below a predetermined lowlevel; a first liquid float means extends inside said container, andcomprising a large diameter tube enclosing said second switch means,said tube inclining downward when said first liquid falls below said lowlevel; and a hollow coupling means having a small diameter section and alarger diameter section, a smaller tube fitting over the small diametersection and said large tube fitting over the larger diameter section,electrical leads passing through said small tube to said second switchmeans, each of said sections of the coupling means including a pluralityof bevelled grippers, each of said grippers increasing incross-sectional area from the side nearest the inner end to the sidenearest the outer end of the corresponding section.